The Phantom’s SuperCoach Intel: Dan Houston and Mitch Georgiades star in Port Adelaide’s intra-club match at Alberton
They were only playing against each other but there is plenty SuperCoaches can take away from Port Adelaide’s intra-club hitout. The Phantom has all you need to know, including Dan Houston’s stats
SuperCoach
Don't miss out on the headlines from SuperCoach. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- SuperCoach: Solving all the key dilemmas in defence
- Face-off: Josh Kelly or Nat Fyfe in the midfield?
It might only be an internal trial but The Phantom still collected plenty of SuperCoach intel from Alberton Oval on Friday night.
Dan Houston (DEF, MID $484,800)
The Dan Houston hype went to another level this week after Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley declared the 22-year-old a midfield lock in 2020. And his performance, albeit againt his teammates, might just raise it again.
He started at the opening centre bounce and had 13 disposals and five clearances to his name by the half-way point of the second term.
Houston spent most of the final quarter on a wing, capping his performance off with a goal from the boundary line after drifting forward.
By The Phantom’s count, the smooth-moving right-footer finished with 22 disposals, six clearances and three marks.
“He’s got some real natural midfield movement. His ability to get from one contest to another is a real strength,” senior assistant Michael Voss said of Houston post-match.
“And, of course, we know the polish he’s got with the footy, he’s a class act when he’s got the ball in his hands.”
Mitch Georgiades (FWD $130,800)
Port Adelaide swooped on the talented forward at No. 18 in last year’s draft, despite the 19-year-old missing the entire year with a thigh injury. And it’s not hard to see why. Georgiades presented well and flew – often without fear – for the ball, taking a number of strong marks, playing alongside Charlie Dixon on Team Black. And when he didn’t hold them, the 192cm forward brought the ball to ground, bringing the smalls into the game. He finished with one major and now appears to be the leading rookie candidate for a Round 1 debut at the Power.
Connor Rozee (FWD, MID $422,100)
The teenage sensation started in the centre square, opposed to Houston, and spent plenty of time through the midfield in the first-half. And he had an impact, with his speed and exlosiveness on show, before reverting to a forward-line after switching sides at half-time.
Tom Rockliff (Mid $495,400)
He’s fit and, in what will come as no surprise, was everywhere on Friday night and would’ve had the ball in his hands more than any other player on the ground. The future SuperCoach hall-of-famer is priced at an average of 91 this season, despite averaging 110 or more in four separate seasons. Can we?
Brad Ebert (Fwd $415,200)
The 29-year-old started at half-forward but pushed further up the ground, attending a number of centre bounces and he should take some of Ollie Wines’ midfield minutes while the former co-captain recovers from shoulder surgery.
Justin Westhoff (FWD, MID $435,500)
After training in defence for most of the pre-season, the veteran was excellent across half-back for most of the competitive hitout. But, as his stint in the ruck in the second-half suggests, he’ll, again, be used wherever needed in 2020.
Dylan Williams (FWD, MID) $117,300)
Kicked two first-half goals, before adding a third late in the final term, in a lively display which suggests he, too, could add to Port Adelaide’s forward mix early this season.
Robbie Gray (FWD, MID $453,000)
The Power star was as influential as ever, setting up a number of early goals but didn’t feature in the midfield rotations enough to boost the hopes of some SuperCoaches.
Miles Bergman (FWD $148,000)
Despite limited possession, Port’s top draft pick had an impact in the first-half, standing tall to take a big pack mark before kicking a long running goal minutes later. He was in-and-out of the game after half-time but showed more than enough to suggest he will feature in the Marsh Community Series.
Jack Watts (DEF $307,900)
Watts, who hasn’t played since breaking his leg in Round 2 last year, made a successful comeback, settling in across half-back and, again, making most of his possession count.
Joe Atley (MID $215,000)
The strong-bodied fourth-year midfield was solid, without being spectacular, but, according to Voss, he’s been doing plenty of things right over summer and is another who is likely to make his case over the next month,.
“He’s had a really, really solid pre-season and he’s asked some serious questions,” Voss said.
Charlie Dixon (FWD $350,600)
The powerful big man declared his best footy is still in front of him during the week and, if his performance on Friday is anything to go by, they were more than just words.
Dixon took a number of strong marks and finished with a game-high four goals in an encouraging display.
He averaged 91 points in a career-best 2017 but it would be a big call to start him this season.
Originally published as The Phantom’s SuperCoach Intel: Dan Houston and Mitch Georgiades star in Port Adelaide’s intra-club match at Alberton
The AFL trades set to deliver big SuperCoach bargains
Bailey Smith and Clayton Oliver could be huge SuperCoach steals at a new club in 2025. Which other names should be on the watch list? Here are the moves to watch.
AFL obsession to NBL addiction: How SuperCoach hooked me on hoops
I hadn’t watch the NBL since the Andrew Gaze and Shane Heal days. Now I’m taking my son to United games and watching Phoenix on Kayo because of one reason.